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The role of a Sporting Director is an essential position in modern football clubs, responsible for overseeing the recruitment of players, managing the footballing structure, and working closely with the manager to ensure the success and progress of the team. By removing this key position, Manchester United is signaling a significant shift in their approach to player recruitment and team management.
BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
American League Non-Tenders: 11/22/24 - MLB Trade RumorsRio: Hopes Manchester United Can Kick Out Poor Performing Players; Reporter: Real Madrid Believes United Will Sell Dalot for £45 Million
The Kansas City Chiefs bounced back from their first defeat of the season with a dramatic 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers . The reigning Super Bowl champions saw their run of 15 straight wins ended by the Buffalo Bills last week, but got back to winning ways thanks to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After a late Chuba Hubbard touchdown and two-point conversion had made it 27-27, the Chiefs got the ball back with less than two minutes on the clock and a 33-yard run from Mahomes helped set up Spencer Shrader for a game-winning field goal. Mahomes finished the game with 269 yards and three touchdowns, two of them to Noah Gray in the first half. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-6 to improve their record to 10-1, matching that of the Chiefs. David Montgomery also ran for a score before having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended a four-game losing streak with a 30-7 win over the New York Giants, who “mutually agreed” to terminate the contract of quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week. Jones’ replacement Tommy DeVito was sacked four times while opposite number Baker Mayfield ran for a touchdown and completed 24 of 30 pass attempts for 294 yards. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker also ran for touchdowns in a one-sided contest. The Dallas Cowboys ended their five-game losing streak with a remarkable 34-26 win over the Washington Commanders, with 30 points scored in the final three minutes. KaVontae Turpin’s 99-yard kick-off return for a touchdown looked to have sealed victory for the Cowboys, only for the Commanders to respond with a field goal before getting the ball back with 33 seconds remaining. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin sprinted 86 yards through the Dallas defence for a touchdown, only for Austin Seibert to miss the extra point. The Commanders tried an onside kick and Juanyeh Thomas returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw four touchdown passes as the Miami Dolphins cruised to a 34-15 win over the New England Patriots, while the Tennessee Titans pulled off a surprise 32-27 victory at the Houston Texans. The Minnesota Vikings improved to 9-2 thanks to a 30-27 overtime win against the Chicago Bears, Parker Romo kicking the decisive field goal from 29 yards.
Top Chinese Historical Dramas Beloved by South Koreans: The Intriguing Charm of "Empresses in the Palace"The holiday gift puzzle: Who should get a gift, and what should it be?
Magdeburg mourns market attack victims
However, the supercomputer's prediction sees both Manchester City and Real Madrid finishing level on points in the group, resulting in a tense battle to secure the coveted second spot. Both teams are renowned for their star-studded lineups and tactical acumen, making this group a true group of death.The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." Here's a look at some of the issues covered: Trump hems on whether trade penalties could raise prices Trump threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. Trump suggests retribution for his opponents while claiming no interest in vengeance He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. At another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Swift action on immigration is coming Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — though such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and were shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." Trump commits to NATO, with conditions, and waffles on Putin and Ukraine Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he "absolutely" would remain in the alliance "if they pay their bills." Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies' commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated "fairly" on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin's invasion. "Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure," Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump called for an immediate cease-fire. Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged. "I haven't spoken to him recently," Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to "impede the negotiation." Trump says Powell is safe at the Fed, but not Wray at the FBI The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy, including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: "Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious" that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then "he's going to be taking somebody's place, right? Somebody is the man that you're talking about." Trump is absolute about Social Security, not so much on abortion and health insurance Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. "We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient," he said. He added that "we're not raising ages or any of that stuff." He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would "probably" not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, "Well, I commit. I mean, are — things do — things change. I think they change." Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had "concepts" of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called "lousy health care." He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for "better health care for less money."
In the aftermath of the late-night hospital visit, Liu Yuning's resilient spirit and unwavering strength shone through, reminding her fans and critics alike of her grace under pressure and her ability to navigate the challenges that came her way. While the details of her medical visit remained shrouded in mystery, one thing was certain - Liu Yuning's enduring resilience and determination would see her through whatever obstacles lay ahead.As we look towards the future, it is clear that the power transition in Syria represents a significant step towards achieving peace and stability in the region. The willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue and compromise bodes well for the prospects of a lasting resolution to the conflict and the establishment of a more inclusive and democratic government in Syria.
AKRON, Ohio and KANSAS CITY, Kan. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Truck Master Warranty, a leader in commercial medium and heavy-duty truck protection plans, donated hundreds of toy trucks to Ohio's Akron Children's Hospital and Children's Mercy Hospital of Kansas City . This initiative aims to brighten the holidays for children spending Christmas and Hanukkah in the hospital and bring smiles to their faces during a challenging time. "A toy truck is a timeless gift," said Rob Fox , Truck Master Warranty CEO. "I got one as a child, my kids got them, and even my grandkids. It's a classic holiday gift that has never ceased to bring a smile to kids' faces." Truck Master Warranty aims to not only serve its customers but also contribute to the communities where its employees live and work. As the company's growth has expanded its employee base nationwide, Truck Master Warranty has more opportunities to give back to local communities, proudly sharing its success by supporting local hospitals and other institutions spreading goodwill. Representatives from Truck Master Warranty personally delivered the toy trucks to both hospitals and spent time interacting with the children as they enjoyed their presents. The donations reflect a heartfelt commitment to giving back to the community and spreading joy to families during the holiday season. "We certainly appreciate this large gift of toy trucks from Truck Master Warranty and delivered just in time for Santa's visit with our patients," said Vicki Parisi , director of Volunteer Services for Akron Children's. "The community support for our patients and the doctors, nurses and other providers who care for them is something we never take for granted and it becomes even more special and magical during the holiday season." Truck Master Warranty invites other businesses and individuals to join in spreading holiday cheer by supporting local charities and hospitals. To learn how to donate to Akron Children's Hospital, visit www.akronchildrens.org or to Children's Mercy Hospital, visit www.childrensmercy.org . For more information about Truck Master Warranty, visit truckmasterwarranty.com . Media Contact: Shaun Petersen Chief Legal Officer Truck Master Warranty 800 326 5204 www.truckmasterwarranty.com About Truck Master Warranty: Since 2013, Truck Master Warranty has served the needs of the pre-owned Medium Duty (classes 3 through 6) and Heavy Duty (classes 7 and 8) Truck markets by offering the most comprehensive, industry leading, and feature rich service contracts. Truck Master Warranty is the exclusive provider of the Heavy Truck industry's only "Certified Pre-Owned" 90 Day limited warranty called CPO90. Truck Master Warranty combines technologically advanced dealer tools and resources to better serve a truck dealership's most valuable asset – their customers. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/truckloads-of-cheer-truck-master-warranty-donates-toy-trucks-to-childrens-hospitals-for-the-holidays-302338637.html SOURCE Truck Master Warranty
By Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press LANDOVER, Md. — Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game with 21 seconds left after Washington’s Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connected on an 86-yard touchdown, Dallas' Juanyeh Thomas returned the ensuing onside kick attempt for a touchdown, and the Cowboys pulled out a 34-26 victory Sunday that extended the Commanders' skid to three games. Seibert, who missed the previous two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt following a low snap. Thomas then took the kick back 43 yards as the Cowboys (4-7) ended their losing streak at five in improbable fashion. Part of that was the play of backup Cooper Rush, who threw for 247 yards and two TDs in his third start in place of starter Dak Prescott. Part was also the defense forcing two turnovers, as Chauncey Golston ripped the ball out of Brian Robinson Jr.‘s hands for what was called an interception of Daniels in the second quarter, and Donovan Wilson stripped John Bates midway through the fourth. KaVonte Turpin provided the fireworks with a spinning, 99-yard kickoff return TD seconds after Daniels found Zach Ertz in the end zone and scored on a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three with 3:02 left. In the final three minutes alone, the Commanders (7-5) scored 10 points and allowed Thomas' TD. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring a 99-yard touchdown off a kickoff return during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP All that after the score was 10-9 through three quarters before madness ensued. Washington’s playoff hopes that looked solid not long ago are now in serious jeopardy after losing to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Dallas. Before the scoring outburst late, much of this defeat had to do with Daniels and the offense not being able to find any kind of a rhythm. The Cowboys did, despite playing without their two best offensive linemen, top cornerback and starting tight end. Rush’s 6-yard pass to Jalen Tolbert was Dallas' first third-quarter TD of the season, and his 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker came after Wilson’s forced fumble. Daniels finished 25 of 38 for 274 yards, including his second interception of the game on a failed Hail Mary as the clock expired. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards to spring the upset for the Cowboys, who were 10 1/2-point underdogs on BetMGM Sportsbook. Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (87) fumbles during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) AP Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was injured on a kickoff return in the final seconds. ... Robinson left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl More sports news How to watch Eagles vs. Rams on ‘Sunday Night Football’: Time, TV channel, FREE live streams Northwestern field hockey wins NCAA Championship behind Hershey native’s two goals How to watch Cardinals vs. Seahawks NFL Week 12: Time, TV channel, FREE live stream How to watch Raiders vs. Broncos NFL Week 12: Time, TV channel, FREE live stream
England second Test PLAYER RATINGS: Harry Brook and Brydon Carse excelled but who scored just 3/10? England secured an impressive display as they overcame New Zealand Mail Sport's Lawrence Booth assesses how each England player performed By LAWRENCE BOOTH Published: 22:45, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 23:00, 8 December 2024 e-mail View comments England secured an impressive series win against New Zealand, which will provide much encouragement going forwards. There were some excellent individuals performances from England but one star struggled. Here, Mail Sport's Lawrence Booth assesses how each England player performed. Mail Sport assesses how England's stars performed in their test victory against New Zealand Zak Crawley - 3/10 Tried to whack his way back to form and became only the second player, after Chris Gayle, to hit a six in the first over of a Test. But two more failures confirmed his mental block against New Zealand. Zak Crawley endured a difficult time against New Zealand as he struggled Ben Duckett - 7 Followed a first-innings duck with a skilful 92 — though it was just the latest example of his failure to convert fifties into hundreds. Jacob Bethell - 7.5 Strangled out on the first morning, but he batted beautifully for 96 — his highest first-class score — on the second day. England have unearthed another gem. Joe Root - 7 Made up for an unusually loose slash on the opening day with a 36th Test hundred that felt inevitable almost from the start. Got there with the cheekiest of reverse scoops. Harry Brook - 9 Played one of the great counter-attacking centuries to turn 43 for four into a match-winning total. His second-innings fifty was easy as you like. Harry Brook Played one of the great counter-attacking centuries to turn 43 for four Ollie Pope - 8 For the second Test in a row, he helped Brook rescue England from his new role at No 6. Kept unobtrusively again. Ben Stokes - 7.5 Triggered New Zealand’s first-innings collapse by bowling Latham, had fun with the bat before the declaration, then burgled a cheap three-for. Chris Woakes - 7.5 Took three big wickets — Ravindra, Latham, Williamson — in one of his best performances overseas. He keeps making a case to stay in the side. Gus Atkinson - 7.5 As if his first year at the highest level had any room for improvement, he took England’s first Test hat-trick for seven years. Expensive in the second innings, but removed Mitchell with a beauty. Brydon Carse - 9 Another mighty effort from one of the new fast-bowling stars of the international game. His working-over of Williamson on the first evening was world class. Brydon Carse produced another almighty effort as he made a major impact v New Zealand Shoaib Bashir - 6 Nothing to do until he was asked to bowl into the wind with New Zealand having a slog. Not easy, but stuck to it to remove Phillips and Blundell. New Zealand Tom Latham 4, Devon Conway 1, Kane Williamson 5, Rachin Ravindra 2, Daryl Mitchell 5.5, Tom Blundell 8, Glenn Phillips 5, Nathan Smith 6, Matt Henry 6, Tim Southee 4, Will O’Rourke 6.5. New Zealand Share or comment on this article: England second Test PLAYER RATINGS: Harry Brook and Brydon Carse excelled but who scored just 3/10? e-mail Add comment
What makes the situation even more concerning is the perceived lack of communication from Emery towards Suarez. The midfielder himself has hinted at feeling isolated and left in the dark about his role within the team. This sense of uncertainty and neglect can be detrimental to a player's morale and commitment to the club, ultimately impacting their performance on the pitch.
Black Friday is on the horizon, followed by Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. As Tucsonans gear up for shopping, local nonprofits request that they consider adding children in need to their lists — or, alternatively, volunteering to brighten their holiday season. Aviva Children’s Services is seeking donations of time, talent, toys and treasure to provide holiday gifts for more than 2,000 children involved in the foster care system. Each child will receive two toys along with a handmade gift (quilt, blanket, pillow case, stuffed animal or pajamas); a stocking filled with stocking stuffers; a book or puzzle; and other items personalized to the child. “We really want to create normalcy for these kids. Even with all of the different types of holidays that people celebrate, there is lots of giving and receiving at this time of year. The kids may not be with their typical family unit, but we want to make it as normal as possible,” said Olivia Bruntmyer, engagement coordinator with Aviva Children’s Services. A subsidiary of the Easterseals Blake Foundation, Aviva serves children from newborn to age 18 who are in foster and kinship care through the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Foster care includes children in traditional and group homes, while kinship care is comprised of extended family members such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, or a family friend who has a relationship to the child. In 2023, about 58 percent of children in Arizona foster care utilized kinship placements, according to DCS. Kinship placements—many of which occur on short notice—generally receive half the monthly stipend ($300 per month) that licensed foster caregivers receive for a child, along with fewer resources. “Typically these extended family members may not have the monetary support that they need to provide toys and gifts for the kids during the holidays. We want to make sure they can give the children the holiday they deserve,” said Bruntmyer. Long-time volunteer Karen Coyne, 72, has been making holidays happen for foster children for eight years. Coyne is a member of Aviva Divas, an auxiliary organization that supports Aviva through sewing and quilting. The group makes blankets, quilts, stockings and other items for the children; they also sell handmade wares at an annual sale and through a small shop at Aviva to provide money to buy toys. Coyne and other volunteers also offer hands-on support at the annual Holiday Toy Distribution, which will take place Dec. 9 through 12 in the gymnasium at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E Broadway. Coyne said the gym virtually transforms into a “Santa’s Workshop” so that DCS case workers and foster and kinship families can come pick up toys and gifts for the children. Bruntmyer encourages donors to deliver toys directly to the distribution when possible in order to see the scope of the event. “It is just an absolutely amazing sight: You have to see it to understand. You just can’t imagine. We set it all up on Monday and by Friday it is all gone. It is so heartwarming. We have such an ugly society right now with so much hate and you go in there and see all these people and organizations giving their time and energy because they know the kids are the future,” Coyne said. Supporters of the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Toy Drive are also working to make the season merry for kids who are displaced during the holidays. For the 14th consecutive year, the drive will collect new, unwrapped toys, books and gift cards for children hospitalized at Banner-Diamond Children’s Medical Center and their families. Donations can be dropped at Northwest YMCA, 7770 N. Shannon Road by Dec. 14; they will also be accepted at Buckelew Farm Christmas Tree Lots citywide. Roxanna Green spearheads the drive each year in memory of her daughter. She and her husband, John, and their son, Dallas, hope to deliver $10,000 worth of toys to the hospital for distribution through the Child Life Center. “It really means a lot to so many children who have to spend the holidays in the hospital. Without the help of donations like this to the Child Life Center, many of these kids who are less fortunate wouldn’t have a nice Hanukkah or Christmas,” said Roxanna. Roxanna said that the toy drive has become a holiday tradition for her family and many in the community and every year she is amazed by the generosity of Tucsonans. “It keeps Christina’s giving spirit alive. She was always a giver and loved to give back. She always felt blessed to have a good life and wanted to do things for others who didn’t have as much as she had, which is pretty wise for a little kid,” said Roxanna. Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net • Aviva Children’s Services Holiday Toy Drive for Children in Foster Care When: Through Wednesday, Dec. 11 Where: New, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped through Friday, Dec. 6 at Aviva Children’s Services, 153 S. Plumer Ave. Donations can also be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10 and 11 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway. Supporters of Aviva Children’s Services are seeking new toys and gifts for more than 2,000 children — from newborn through 18 years old — in foster and kinship care in Southern Arizona. Go to https://www.avivatucson.org/toy-drive for a wish list. If you prefer to shop from home, Aviva has wish lists through Amazon at https://a.co/diiJDhU ; Target https://www.target.com/gift-registry/gift/2023avivaholidaydrive ; and Walmart at Aviva Holiday Toy Drive Walmart.com . You can also make online cash donations or by calling 520-327-6779. More than 100 volunteers are needed to help with the distribution of toys between Dec. 9 and 12. Go to https://www.avivatucson.org/be-a-holiday-volunteer/ to sign up. • Annual Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Holiday Toy Drive When: Through Thursday, Dec. 14. Where: Northwest YMCA at 7770 N. Shannon Rd. and Buckelew Farm Christmas Tree Lots citywide (beginning on Friday, Nov. 24) Friends and family of Christina-Taylor Green are collecting new, unwrapped toys and books and Amazon or Target gift cards (which can be purchased online and emailed to roxgreen04@yahoo.com) for children receiving care and treatment at Banner-Diamond Children’s Medical Center. Toys and cash donations can be dropped at the Buckelew Farm Christmas Tree Lot at 2225 W. Ina Rd. across from the Foothills Mall and other Buckelew Farm lots citywide. Proceeds will be used to purchase toys for hospitalized children. The public is also invited to donate a toy or book and enjoy hot chocolate and photos with Santa from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Buckelew Farm Lot at 2225 W. Ina Rd. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power in Damascus . “We think we can get him back," Biden told reporters at the White House, while acknowledging that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. "Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. “We've remained committed to returning him to his family,” he said. Tice, who is from Houston and whose work had been published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers and other outlets. A video released weeks after Tice went missing showed him blindfolded and held by armed men and saying, “Oh, Jesus.” He has not been heard from since. Syria has publicly denied that it was holding him. The United States has no new evidence that Tice is alive, but continues to operate under the assumption he is alive, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said the U.S. will continue to work to identify where he is and to try to bring him home. His mother, Debra, said at a news conference Friday in Washington that the family had information from a “significant source,” whom she did not identify, establishing that her son was alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said. The Tice family met this past week with officials at the State Department and the White House. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Debra Tice said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media Sunday. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.